By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has assured party aspirants who may fail to secure tickets for the 2027 elections that their sacrifices and contributions to the party would not go unrewarded.
Obi gave the assurance on Monday night in Abuja during a dinner organised by the NDC for aspirants and the inauguration of the party’s Selection Committee.
Addressing party members and aspirants, Obi commended those seeking elective positions under the party’s platform, describing their willingness to participate in the political process amid Nigeria’s challenges as a major sacrifice.
“I thank you for your sacrifice. It is not easy for people to express interest in serving their constituencies and committing themselves to this process,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor acknowledged that not all aspirants would emerge victorious but pledged that the party would begin recognising and rewarding loyal members who worked for the party despite failing to secure nominations.
“All of us will not succeed, all of us will not be selected, all of us will not be winners, but I assure you that it is time we start recognising those who have worked so hard,” Obi stated.
He urged aspirants not to view electoral defeat as the end of their political journey, insisting that service and commitment to nation-building transcend political appointments or tickets.
“Please do not think that if you are not selected, it is the end. It is not the end; it is the ending of the beginning because we will continue to work hard for our country,” he added.
Obi also reflected on his recent visit to South Africa, where he said he held discussions with government officials and political leaders on issues affecting Nigerians living abroad.
According to him, many Nigerians in foreign countries expressed reluctance to return home because of worsening conditions in Nigeria.
“We asked some of them to come back, but many said they would rather die there than return because conditions at home are worse. That should not be Nigeria,” he said.
The NDC presidential candidate lamented what he described as Nigeria’s declining influence and capacity, noting that despite the country’s historic contributions to global peacekeeping operations, it now struggles with internal security challenges.
“Nigeria played major roles in securing other nations and contributed significantly to international peacekeeping, but today Nigeria cannot secure itself. That is unacceptable,” Obi said.
He further criticised what he described as inadequate engagement by Nigerian authorities with citizens facing challenges abroad, arguing that governments have a responsibility to protect and support their nationals wherever they reside.
The event formed part of the NDC’s preparations ahead of its candidate selection process for the 2027 general elections.
